Leslie Odom, Jr. is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy and two-time Academy Award-nominated songwriter, actor, and New York Times bestselling author. Well known for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Hamilton, Odom recently returned to the role for a limited run from September 9 through November 26.

Last season, he returned to Broadway as a producer alongside Nicolette Robinson and Jeffrey Richards with the revival of the classic American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch, written by Ossie Davis. The production opened to widespread critical acclaim. Odom received a Tony nomination for his performance, and the production earned six nominations and one win. Purlie Victorious was later recorded and aired as part of PBS’s Great Performances.

Odom has continued to captivate audiences across film and television, including his portrayal of legendary soul singer Sam Cooke in the Amazon film adaptation of One Night in Miami, directed by Regina King. His performance, along with the original song “Speak Now,” earned multiple awards and nominations. Additional film and television credits include Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery for Netflix, The Many Saints of Newark, Apple TV+’s Central Park (Emmy nomination), Hamilton on Disney+ (Emmy nomination), host of The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back! (Emmy nomination), Abbott Elementary, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Harriet, and more.

In March 2018, Odom added author to his resume with Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning, released in paperback in 2025. Co-written with Nicolette Robinson, his first children’s book, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know, debuted at #7 on the New York Times bestseller list in 2023.

Odom has released six full-length albums, including his first live album, An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios (2025).